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IRMAA Part B

Most people with Medicare part B will pay the standard premium amount of $135.50 a month. If your modified adjusted gross income goes above certain  income thresholds, you may pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA Part B). Medicare uses the MAGI reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years prior to determine the amount you will pay. They do this in order to have access to a filed tax return in order to determine income.

INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED.   CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW PAGE.

Part B deductible & coinsurance

Get more information about your Part B premium from Social Security .

Looking for the IRMAA amounts for Part D of Medicare?   CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Medicare savings program CT 2019

There have been some updates to the income limits for the Medicare savings program CT 2019.

INFORMATION IN THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED.   CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW PAGE.

The first question you might ask is; who is eligible for the Medicare savings programs CT 2019?  Anyone that qualifies for Medicare part A who has income below a certain level may be eligible for the program.  In most cases, you qualify for Medicare Part A when you turn 65.  Although, certain people who have a permanent disability for 2 years or more can also qualify.

Below is a chart that shows the current income limits for the Medicare savings program Ct 2019:

If you have Medicare Part B:

You may receive help paying your monthly premium.  The premium for Part B normally comes out of your Social Security check.  When you qualify for any of the Medicare savings programs (either QMB, SLMB or ALMB) the state will pay your Part B premium.

If you do not qualify for Part A or Part B benefits,  the state of CT will help you get them.  If you qualify for QMB, the state will pay your Part A premium for you.  You can “conditionally” apply for Medicare Part A through your local Social Security Administration office or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

When you qualify for any level of MSP, you are able to apply for benefits outside the normal enrollment period.  This enrollment is called a “buy-in”.  The QMB program will also help with co-insurance payments as well as deductibles.  The SLMB and ALMB programs do not pay either co-insurance or deductibles for you.

Click here to download the MSP Brochure in English.

Click here for MSP Brochure 2019 in Spanish.

These programs take time to go into effect.  It can be 90 days before there is a difference in your Social Security check.  If this happens, Social Security will reimburse you for the premiums that you paid during that time.  Keep in mind, there is no asset limit for any of the programs.  The only thing that matters is your income.  The amount of help you get will depend on your income.

What is considered income?

Things such as; wages, alimony, rental income, interest or dividends as well as Social Security, pensions and disability payments area all considered income.  You will not have to supply proof of your income when you first submit your application for benefits.  Social Security can easily check the information you provided them.  They will notify you if they need more information to process your request.

MSP 2019 Quick guide 2019 – click here

How to apply for benefits:

MSP application CT – click here

Either you can send your application to:
DSS ConneCT Scanning Center
P.O. Box 1320
Manchester, CT 06045-1320
Or, speak to a representative at 2-1-1.  The representatives are available 24 hours a day every day.  You can also call a Choices health insurance counselor at 1-800-994-9422.

To learn more about the services we offer at Crowe and Associates, click this link.

You can also contact us either by phone at (203)-796-5403 or by email at edward@croweandassociates.com.

3-D Graphics image provided by Quince Creative, click here to view more by this artist

How to find and compare hospitals

If you are aware either that you will need medical care in the future or if you are moving to a new area you will want to know How to find and compare hospitals.  You can compare hospitals easily by clicking on the link to use the new Hospital Compare tool.   This tool can be found at Medicare.gov.  When you get to the page, all you need to do to start the search is to enter the zip code of the area you want to look in.  It is that easy.  Of course, it is always best to speak to you health care provider before making any medical decision.

This tool will also let you view both Department of Defense and Veterans Health Administration hospital performance data.  You can also find information about things like; how to file a compliant, Medicare coverage and healthcare providers.

Hospital Compare gives you information about over 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals.

This includes more than 130 Veterans Administration (VA) medical centers.

How to find and compare hospitals helps you decide where to get health care services.  By providing patients both options and information, this tool also helps give hospitals an incentive to improve on care.

• Important:  In an emergency, always go to the nearest hospital.

Hospital Compare was made with help from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in collaboration with organizations that represent consumers such as; hospitals, doctors, employers, accrediting organizations, as well as other federal agencies.

Please contact us either at (203)796-5403 or by email at teal@croweandassociates.com, if you would like help with your Medicare coverage options.

If you would like to see what we can offer you; go to the Crowe and Associates home page – click here .

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Medicare Part D plan finder 2019

What is Medicare Part D?  Medicare Part D provides you with prescription drug coverage.  The Medicare Part D plan finder 2019 will help you choose the drug plan that will best suit your prescription needs as well as your budget.  This can be very important coverage to have and can save you thousands of dollars each year on the cost of prescription drugs.  Before you go to the website to check on the best plans for you, you will need a list of medications that you currently take along with the doses. Once you have that information in front of you, you are ready to get started.

Recorded Webinar on how to use the Medicare.gov drug plan finder tool

Click here to go to the plan finder.

When you get to the website you will enter your zip code and click on find plans.

1. On this screen you will see 3 questions:

   1. How do you get your Medicare coverage? There are 4 options to choose from.  If you are unsure, just pick the one that says I don’t know.
   2. Do you get help from Medicare or your state to pay Prescription drug costs? There are 6 choices for this question. Again, if you are unsure, choose I don’t know.
   3. Would you like to add drugs? There are 3 options for this question. If you have a list of medications, choose yes then click on the continue to plan results tab.

     2.  The next screen will ask you for the name of the medication.

A.  Type in the name of the medication, click on find my drug.

B.  When you see the correct drug, click on add drug.

C.  The following screen will prompt you to choose a dosage and quantity as well as the frequency and pharmacy type. Answer each question accordingly and continue to the next drug until you have entered all your medications.

D.  Once you have a complete list of your medications, click on my drug list is complete.

     3.  When you get to the Next screen,  you will choose which pharmacies you like to use. You can choose only 1 or 2, no more.  Then you click on the continue to plan            results tab.

     4.  The next screen you will ask you what type of plan you are looking for.

A.  Prescription drug plans (with original Medicare).

B.  Medicare Health Plans with drug coverage.

C.  Medicare health plans without drug coverage.

   5. After you click on the appropriate choice, click continue to plan results.

On the next screen, you will see which plans are available and the costs associated with those plans.   You are able to choose up to 3 plans to compare.  Once you have selected the plans you want to compare, you will click on compare plans.   The next screen will show the plans side by side so you can compare them by cost and coverage to find the one that best suits your needs.

Once you use the Medicare Part D plan finder 2019, you will see what a great tool this really is.

If you need help choosing a plan or signing up for Medicare, please contact us.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at edward@croweandassociates.com.

For more information about the products that we can offer you, go to our website – click here.

To view more comparison tools; click here

Medicare What’s Covered App

This post will explain to consumers the new Medicare What’s Covered app.

If you have questions about Medicare benefits, find a quick answer by using the new app.  If you want to avoid surprise medical expenses, this is a great tool for you.  The app gives you accurate cost and coverage information on your mobile device.  You can easily check coverage from your doctor’s office, hospital or any place you can use your mobile device.

Medicare what’s covered app: You can get the app for free from either Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Simply search for either What’s Covered or Medicare to easily locate and download the app to your smart phone. The app is available in Google Play at:  click here for google play app, and is available in the Apple App Store at: click here for Apple app.  This way you will have reliable Medicare information as quickly as you need it.

CMS had the app made to give people a better way to answer the many questions Medicare beneficiaries have. The Medicare population will almost double in size in the next decade. This can add up to about 80 million people. Many Medicare beneficiaries use the internet on a daily basis. There are almost 15 million views by beneficiaries on medicare.gov every year. If you add this to the over 3 million phone calls a year that 1-800-MEDICARE gets, that is a lot of coverage questions.

The new Medicare app gives you general cost as well as coverage details for both Medicare A &B approved supplies and services. 

You can use this tool to look up what Medicare does and does not cover. There is also important information about how and when to use Medicare approved benefits.  You can also access basic cost information for medical supplies and services.  Additionally, you will have access to a list of preventative services that Medicare covers.

Medicare what’s covered app: Access to reliable Medicare coverage information is just one part of the eMedicare initiative. 

If you want to stay current on the many improvements that the administration is making to Medicare, you can sign up to receive email notifications from the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, just click here.  You can also find valuable information on the Facebook page for Medicare by using the ink below:

just click here.

If you either need help with or have questions about Medicare coverage options, please contact us.  You can reach us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or by email at teal@croweandassociates.com.  We are always happy to help people navigate the Medicare system. Contact Crowe and Associates and make sure you get the Medicare coverage you deserve.

Learn about our Free Medicare Lead Program:   CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

CLICK HERE FOR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE COMMISSIONS 2022

United Health Care OTC Catalog

This post will give members of the United Health Care HMO MAPD  plans 1,2 and 3 access to the 2019 United Health Care OTC Catalog.

INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE HAS BEEN UPDATED.   CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NEW PAGE.

If you are a member of either a United Health Care Medicare HMO Plan 1, 2, or 3, you have an over the counter benefit as part of your health plan.  Although each plan has different quarterly benefit amounts, you can use the same form to look up products and find out what is available to you. Please refer to your specific plan benefits to find out exactly what your OTC benefit amount is.  You need to be aware that the quarterly over the counter benefit not transferable and cannot be used once a given quarter has ended.  This means if you do not use your benefit for each quarter you simply lose it.

In fact, when you chose to use your over the counter (OTC) benefit you must do so in one single order.  This means you should plan what you will need by looking through the United Health Care OTC catalog before the end of each quarter and order everything you think you will need at once.  United Health Care will only allow you to place 1 order per quarter.

Are you a Medicare Insurance Agent?  Learn about programs we offer to agents:

If you would like to view a copy of the United Health Care OTC Catalog, CLICK HERE FOR THE 2019 OTC for HMO MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS 1 2 & 3.

If you are a member of a DSNP plan, click here for 2019 DSNP member OTC Catalog.

You may order only items listed in the catalog for your OTC benefit.

The name of the company that handles the OTC orders is Firstline Medical.  There are 2 ways to order.  Either you can order by mail or you can order online.  If you would like to order by mail you need to contact FirstLine Medical at 1-877-795-4521. You can call them from 7a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday -Friday and 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday (Central time). You will need to have your UHC card available before you call.

If you would like to place an order on line you can go to www.OTC-Essentials.com.

1. Click on REGISTER to create your account (you only need to register one time).
2. Login to check your balance, view product images and descriptions. Place your order.
3. Track your order status or manage your account information.

Please use these helpful tips to register on the website:
1.  Have your health plan member ID card available.
2.  When you enter your member ID, only enter the numbers that are before the dash.
3.  Your Username is from 6 to 25 characters long.
4.  Your Password is from  8  to 25 characters long and will need to have at least one number, one capital letter and one lower case letter.  The password is case sensitive.

Additionally, if you need help finding the right Medicare plan or have questions on your current health care plan.  Please contact us at 203-796-5403. Our agents will be happy to make sure you have the coverage you need at the best price for your budget.

Are you looking to quote or compare Medicare plans?  CLICK HERE 

Medicare Travel Benefits

This post will give you some information about Medicare Travel Benefits.   You should understand what medical coverage you have while you are away from home.  In most cases, Medicare does not cover either health care services or supplies when you travel outside of the United States.   Some exceptions to this rule are listed below.

Medicare Easy Pay (Automatic deductions for Medicare Part B premiums)

Medicare Easy Pay is an electronic Medicare part B payment option for people to have their Medicare Part B premiums set up to draft from either a savings or checking account each month.

Can I sign up for Medicare Easy Pay?

Anyone who gets a bill for their monthly Medicare Part B premium is eligible for Medicare Easy pay.  Those already drawing Social Security payments are paying out of their checks automatically and do not need to set up easy pay.

Mail the completed form to:

What happens once I sign up for Medicare Easy Pay?

Sometimes it takes 6-8 weeks for Medicare to process your application. If medicare cannot process your MEP application, they will  return it to you with a letter of explanation.

Two things will happen each month after your request is processed:

1. You will get a Medicare premium bill stating “This is not a bill”.   This will let you know that the premium will be deducted from your bank account.
2. Your premium will be deducted from your bank account.  This usually happens on the 20th of the month.  The deduction will appear on your bank statement as an “Automated Clearing House (ACH)” transaction.

Medicare will try to deduct your premium only one time per month.  If there is a problem processing your premium deduction, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to make a direct payment to Medicare.

Do I need to do anything when my premium amount changes?

No,  Medicare will deduct the new premium amount from your bank account automatically.

What if I want to change bank accounts or stop Medicare Easy Pay?

You would complete another payment authorization form(SF-5510), and indicate the type of change you want to make. Mail the completed form to the address above.

If you would like more information about Medicare; contact us either by phone at (203)796-5403 or email at teal@croweandassociates.com.

Signing up for Medicare A and B

We want to give you some help when you are Signing up for Medicare A and B.  This can be a stressful time for some people with all the mail and calls they receive.

• Medicare A and B will begin the first of the month someone turns 65 years old.
• If you receive social security payments for at least 4 months before the month you turn 65, you will get Medicare A and B automatically.  Those not receiving payments will need to sign up for A and B online or at the local social security office.
  • If you have not been receiving Social Security payments for the 4 months before you turn 65, you will need to sign up for both A and B.  You will not get it automatically.
  • Here is the link for those that need to sign up  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE ONLINE  The online enrollment is simple and only takes about 15 to 20 minutes
  • Please Note:  If you are past the age of 65 and want to sign up for Medicare part B, it cannot be done online.  You must go to the local social security office to sign up.  We suggest that you call the office first to make an appointment.

• Signing up for Medicare A and B – Medicare billing for part B

  • If you are already receiving Social Security payments, the part B premium will be deducted from your SS payments.
  • If you currently do not not receive Social Security payments, you will be billed quarterly for part B.  Medicare will allow you to pay the premium automatically if you fill out a form to set it up.

Signing up for Medicare A and B – Who should enroll in Medicare Part B

• If someone is working and receiving health benefits through work or if they receive health benefits through a working spouse, they do not need to sign up for part B of Medicare. (Assuming they will continue to get work benefits)
• If either they or the spouse they get benefits through stops actively working, they need to sign up for Medicare Part B.  Note: Those with groups of less than 20 employees may need to sign up for part B when they turn 65 regardless of work status.
  • Retiring is a special election for Medicare Part B.  You will need to take a completed Employment verification form to the Social Security office to sign up for B.  The effective date will be the first of the month after you retire.
  • If you are still actively working but no longer receive coverage, that is also considered a special election to sign up for Medicare Part B.
  • You have an 8 month window to sign up for Part B.  The 8 months start from the date you either retire or lose coverage
  • If you fail to sign up for part B under either of the scenarios above, it will result in a  Part B penalty  The penalty is 10% of part B premium for every 12 months you did not have part B. If you delayed part B enrollment and missed your special election period, you should sign up during the Medicare Part B general enrollment period.  The general enrollment is  from Jan 1 through March 31  to sign up for a July 1 start date. Those that miss the general enrollment will need to wait for the next general enrollment to sign up unless they qualify for a special election period,
• click here for employment verification form.

• According to Medicare, someone employed by a group with less than 20 employees needs to sign up for both Medicare A and B at age 65.  This is true even if you have health coverage from work and are still working.  In reality, I have had a number of people who work in groups less than 20 delay part B.  Those people have not paid a penalty when they enrolled in B later down the road.  They also did not have any issue with the special election to enroll in B.  Regardless, the Medicare rule says they should enroll when turning 65.  It is up to you how you choose to proceed in this situation.

• Those with Medicare A and/or B are advised not to contribute to an HSA account. If you are selected for an audit, you may be receive a penalty.  This means your contributions are included in your taxable income. You will also pay a 10% penalty on the contribution.

If you want to get a quote for Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans, click here.